One of the United States’ most influential lobbying organisations, PhRMA is reportedly looking to raise its profile in Japan, a market highly protective of domestic pharmaceutical producers. A senior source at Edelman explained that the new approach would emphasise the work of US pharmaceutical research and biotechnology companies as being in the interests of the Japanese public and not simply driven by financial profit.
The source added that in view of Japan’s aging, wealthy population with a willingness to invest heavily in health maintenance, now was an opportune time for PhRMA to take steps to strengthen its presence in the market.
PhRMA is active in a number of countries across Asia Pacific in addition to Japan including China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand. Prominent members include Astra Zeneca, Bayer, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lily, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck and Pfizer, among others.
The win for Edelman follows its recent appointment in Taiwan by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) to promote cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil.
PhRMA partners with Edelman to solidify presence in Japan
TOKYO - The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has appointed Edelman as its public relations partner in Japan after a competitive pitch believed to have included incumbent Golin Harris and six other agencies.
